membership corner 4 legal corner 6 regional reports 14-15 ... · manager, liz tiemeier...

January–February 2014 1

There are several major national changes affecting the clinical practice of clinical social workers in 2014. Clinical social workers should prepare for these changes to avoid reimbursement denials and overpayment requests. Changes are in the areas of claims, coding, diagnosing, and quality measures, and include the following:

Revised CSM-1500 Form. Clinical social workers submit claims for reimbursement on the CMS-1500 Form. The National Uniform Claim Committee (NUCC) has updated the form and approved a transition timeline for the version 02/12 of the 1500 Health Insurance Claim Form. From January 6 through March 31, 2014, clinical social workers may use either the current or revised form. Beginning April 1, 2014, clinical

social workers must submit claims only on the revised CMS-1500 Claim Form, version 02/12. Claims will be rejected if they are not submitted on the revised form by April 1, 2014.

The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) will be implemented on October 1, 2014. It is a classification system of diagnoses used to identify diseases and will replace the ICD-9-CM codes. The changes in ICD-10-CM will not affect the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes used by clinical social workers to perform psychotherapy services. The ICD-10-CM code sets are available free of charge at www.cms.gov/ICD10. Clinical social workers should begin preparing for this transition by:

XXXVII, Number 1 • January–February, 2014

In This Issue…Membership Corner 4

Legal Corner 6

Regional Reports 14-15

Workshops 18-19

New Members 20

Registration Form 28

continued on pg. 24

MAJOr CHANgeS IN 2014 FoR ClInICal SoCIal WoRkERSnoMInaTE a

SoCIal WoRkER, SoCIal WoRk STuDEnT, ElECTED oFFICIal, oR publIC CITIzEn FoR ThE 2014 naSW ohIo ChapTER aWaRDS aT WWW.naSWoh.oRg/aWaRDS by FEbRuaRy 1ST

NASW—Ohio Chapter2

Self-Care in the New Year!

rebecca L. SanfordOhio-NASW President of the Board of Directors

“We hold in our hands the power…to shape not only our own, but the nation’s future.”

—Dr. Dorothy I. heIght

every year millions of people make New Year’s resolutions in hopes of improving their lives. They want to do a variety of things, such as quit smoking, lose weight or get a better job, to strive to be in a happier place with themselves than when they started the year. These resolutions are reflective of the self-care philosophy that

social workers try to instill daily to prevent burn-out and the type of goals that are beneficial for remaining healthy and productive.

The New Year offers us a new opportunity to look forward, put the past behind, and chart the course anew. It’s a fresh start. Last year is in the books. There’s nothing we can do to change it. The New Year is a chance to examine the regrets—correct the course, and determine not to revisit them twelve months from now. It’s a chance to be intentional, to renew your commitment to high-value living. If you’re looking back on 2013 and seeing that, somewhere along the way, you drifted off course—spiritually, relationally, financially—I encourage you to consider five life-shifting priorities in 2014 (excerpted from author, Cary Schmidt):

1. Think Important over Urgent: Dwight eisenhower said it this way, “The urgent is rarely important, and the important is rarely urgent.” The most important things in life are usually the quietest. Important things don’t usually demand your attention now. They are not urgent. But if important things are ignored, life becomes abundantly urgent. The more you give yourself to that which is important, the less you will be ruled by the urgent.

2. Think Investing over Spending: If you spend life, you will have less of it a year from now. If you invest life, it will multiply. Spending looks at the now. Investing looks at the big picture. Spending focuses on me. Investing focuses on others. Spending is a downward cycle of depletion. Investing is an upward cycle of multiplication. Spending is exhausting and wearying. Investing is invigorating and energizing. Spending leaves me empty. Investing leaves me full. Spending is reactionary and impulsive. Investing is causative and intentional.

3. Think relationships Over Productivity—People over process. Prioritize people above tasks. Always remember that the great work we do happens within the context of caring relationships, not check-lists. Checking off lists makes you feel productive, and can often feel easier than developing healthy relationships but relationships are what matter most to us, our clients and our profession! Healthy relationships helps us to be reconciled to those you have hurt; to forgive those who have hurt you. given the work that we do in social justice, I think social workers are perhaps the most hospitable, charitable, gracious people on the planet!

Timothy MossFACHE, LISW–S, NASW Ohio Chapter Board President

ohIo NASW BoArD of DIrectorSJuly 1, 2013–JuNe 30, 2014

President—Tim [email protected]

Vice President—Melissa [email protected]

Treasurer—Annie [email protected]

Secretary—emily [email protected]

MSW Student—Stephen [email protected]

BSW Student—ricki [email protected]

regIoNAl DIrectorS

Region 1 (Toledo area) Co–DirectorsJennifer Hughes and Sarah [email protected] [email protected]

Region 2 (Akron area) Co–DirectorsLesley Anderson and Krystal Kinley [email protected] [email protected]

Region 3 (Cleveland area) Co–DirectorsSherri Skedel and Tammi [email protected]@gmail.com

Region 4 (Youngstown area) Co–DirectorsChristine Barnes and Jerry Jo [email protected]@franciscan.edu

region 5 (Columbus area) DirectorTom [email protected]

Region 6 (Cincinnati area) Co–DirectorsKaitlyn Wessels and Leah Taylor [email protected]

region 7 (Dayton area) Directorebony [email protected]

region 8 (Canton area) DirectorCrystal [email protected] continued on pg. 24


Celebrate Social Work Month in March

Danielle SmithMSW, MA, LSW, NASW Ohio Chapter executive Director

NASW Mission Founded in 1955, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW)is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with more than 150,000 members. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain standards for the profession, and to advance sound social policies. NASW also contributes to the well–being of individuals, families, and communities through its work and advocacy.

offIce StAff www.naswoh.org614.461.4484E–mail: [email protected]

executIve DIrectorDanielle Smith, MSW, MA, [email protected]

MeMBerShIp ASSocIAteDorothy Martindale, BSSW, [email protected]

Thank you to Idelle Datlof (region 6) for serving as a proofreader for the newsletter.

coMMItteeS & WorkgroupS

ethIcS coMMItteeChair, Martha [email protected]

pAce coMMItteeChair, VacantManager, Liz [email protected]

progrAM plANNINg & BuDget coMMIttee Chair, Annie [email protected]

heAlthcAre INtereSt group

SocIAl Work ADvocAcy group

Visit www.naswoh.org for descriptions and details to get involved.

March is my favorite month of the year because it is a time to celebrate and promote the social work profession. There are more than 22,000 licensed social workers in the state of Ohio and together we can make a large impact on the public’s perception of our profession if we come together during the month. Here are some of the events the Ohio Chapter is planning for March. Send your events to [email protected] and we will add them to our online calendar.

MArCH 7—Social Work Spotlight Day- On this date we are encouraging all social workers to do something that raises the public’s awareness of our profession. Any activity is helpful but consider setting up a table in your agency’s or school’s

lobby to pass out flyers about who social workers are. You can download the flyer at naswoh.org/socialworkmonth.

MArCH 20—Advocacy Day- Join NASW Ohio Chapter for our annual advocacy day at the Ohio Statehouse on March 20 from 10am-3pm. We will have over 300 social workers and social work students in attendance to learn about advocacy and meet with legislators. Attendees will be raising awareness about professional issues including social work salaries, educational debt, and high caseloads. 1 CeU will be given. For more information and to register visit naswoh.org/advocacyday.

MArCH 24—Q&A Webinar for graduating Students with NASW Ohio Staff- NASW Ohio Chapter staff will be hosting a webinar for graduating students. We will be covering topics ranging from job searching, résumé/cover letter tips, salary negotiation, licensing requirements...and more importantly we will be answering your questions. You MUST pre-register for the webinar so log-in details can be sent to you. This is a members-only benefit. register at naswoh.org/calendar.

MArCH 28—4th Annual Cuyahoga County Conference on Social Welfare- If you live in the Cleveland area join Cleveland State University, Case Western reserve University, and NASW Ohio Chapter for the annual Cuyahoga County Conference on Social Welfare. The purpose of the conference is to:

• Enhance the role of social workers in analyzing, formulating and advocating for social welfare policy.• Engage in re-consideration of the changing context for social welfare policy in Cuyahoga County, including ongoing attention to the relationship of economic development and the human services.• Identify policy issues arising from practice and community settings in Northeast Ohio.• Enhance collaboration and communication among social workers and other human service professionals and with clients and consumers of social welfare benefits and social services, concerning the need for effective social policies.

for more information visit naswoh.org/cuyahogacountyconference.


WEEk 1—Be proud of your membership! List NASW membership on your résumé and include it in your email signature or tag.

WEEk 2—every social worker needs professional liability insurance. Start the New Year off right by protecting your career with coverage designed just for social workers. Sign up at naswassurance.org.

WEEk 3—Submit an awards proposal by February 1 to honor a deserving social worker in your area. Complete the nomination form online at naswoh.org/awards.

WEEk 4—Stil l using any excuse not to take your licensure exam? Instead of procrastinating, start preparing. register for our licensure review course to get face-to-face instruction, 5 study volumes, and access to web-based practice exams or take our online review course at naswoh.org.

WEEk 5—get your résumé ready to stand out from the competition. email your résumé and cover letter to [email protected] to receive our feedback within 30 business days.

WEEk 6—Make the conscious decision this year to call yourself a social worker, no matter your job title. Show off your professionalism with a sleek “Social Worker” pin, available at naswoh.org, to demonstrate to co-workers, administration officials, and legislators that you are a professional social worker.

WEEk 7—Stay up-to-date in your practice with NASW Practice Perspectives. Take 30 minutes this week to read a few of these concise overviews of various social issues.

WEEk 8—Highlight your commitment to the field. email [email protected] to request your 20 free NASW business cards, guaranteed to facilitate enhanced networking.

WEEk 9—Attend a NASW Ohio Chapter 3-hour supervision course and/or a 3-hour ethics course to fulfill your license requirements! register at naswoh.org/calendar.

WEEk 10—Celebrate Social Work Month by planning to attend the Cuyahoga Coun t y Con f e r en ce ( na swoh .o rg/cuyahogacountyconference) and your region’s awards banquet.

WEEk 11—Keep working on those CeUs! Watch the monthly members-only webinars recorded live on the second Wednesday of every month at naswoh.org/webinars.

WEEk 12—Join 300 social work professionals and students at the Ohio Statehouse during the NASW Ohio Chapter Advocacy Day, a time to promote the social work profession, NASW, and the issues that matter most to social workers and clients.

WEEk 13—graduating this year? The graduation Q&A Webinar presented by NASW Ohio Chapter staff will answer your questions regarding licensure, job searching, and life after graduation. You won’t want to miss it!

WEEk 14—Make sure your voice is heard. Sign up for regular legislative updates from NASW at socialworkers.org/advocacy. Already signed up? Take action today and email or call your legislator.

WEEk 15—Need a job? Access the Ohio JobBank at naswoh.org/careerconnection or search national listings on the NASW Career Center at careers.socialworkers.org.

WEEk 16—register for a discounted in-person NASW Ohio Chapter workshop to develop professional connections and show off those NASW business cards.

WEEk 17—Learn the secrets to a successful job search and how to negotiate your salary by watching the NASW Ohio Chapter professional development webinars.

WEEk 18—get tips on writing an impressive cover letter and interviewing like a pro with the Professional Development Booklet available online at naswoh.org/careerconnection.

WEEk 19—Spend 1 hour this week with the latest Legal Issue of the Month article, designed to answer commonly asked questions on hot-button emerging legal issues related to social work.

WEEk 20—Help NASW influence how the enter tainment industr y and news media depict the social work profession at socialworkersspeak.org.

WEEk 21—Attend a Social Work Advocacy group meeting to get the latest news on state issues impacting the profession and social justice.

WEEk 22—Browse the NASW Lunchtime Ce Series for recorded CeU presentations available exclusively to NASW members. You can get all 30 of your required CeUs for free through NASW.

MeMberShip COrNer: A guIDe to gettINg the MoSt out of your MeMBerShIp IN 2014 By: Dorothy Martindale, LSW

At NASW we work to make your professional life better. Whether you are a student or a recent graduate, just starting your career or looking to further develop your skill set, NASW has services designed just for you. We understand that you work hard every day to advocate for your clients, so we want to make getting the most out of your membership easy for you. That’s why we put this list together. With this list, you can take one step each week to advance and protect your career with NASW in 2014.


WEEk 23—Feeling valued is important to protect yourself against burnout. Search NASW Salary Calculator and then decide to negotiate a higher salary while your agency is setting next year’s budget!

WEEk 24—Take the next step to further your social work career by getting a NASW Specialty Credential, a “license plus” that shows you have nationally certified knowledge and skills. get started by searching NASW credential.

WEEk 25—Maintain an effective clinical practice by getting the latest information on billing codes at socialworkers.org/practice/clinical.

WEEk 26—An easy way to advance your career with NASW is to curl up with your copy of the bimonthly Ohio Update and the quarterly NASW News in print or online!

WEEk 27—Strengthen the social work community. encourage and successfully recruit a fellow social worker to join, and NASW Ohio Chapter will provide you with a free annual offer in return.

WEEk 28—Use your birthday discount! As a member of NASW Ohio Chapter, you will receive a coupon for 20% off a NASW in-person workshop during your birthday month in recognition of your membership.

WEEk 29—Need supervision? Check out the NASW Ohio Chapter Supervision registry for an affordable and efficient method to connect with qualified social workers interested in supervising.

WEEk 30—Start your holiday shopping early and take advantage of members-only discounts at NASW Press, a leading scholarly press in the social sciences.

WEEk 31—Save time with sample HIPAA privacy forms and office policies available at socialworkers.org.

WEEk 32—Set aside 30 minutes this week to learn more about the Leadership Ladder series, designed to help you successfully navigate career challenges and catapult you to the next level in your career.

WEEk 33—email [email protected] to get involved in advancing your profession. Flex your leadership muscles by volunteering for either the ethics Committee or the Political Action for Candidate election Committee. Consider running for an open position on the Ohio Chapter’s Board of Directors.

WEEk 34—Cros s “ r enew NASW membership” off your to-do list. renew online at socialworkers.org or by calling 1-800-742-4089.

WEEk 35—Hang your NASW member certificate on your wall. You can download both your membership card and certificate from the Member Center at socialworkers.org.

WEEk 36—Invite NASW to speak to your class or agency at naswoh.org/speakerrequest. NASW Ohio Chapter staff regularly present CeU presentations at agencies and career development presentations at colleges and universities.

WEEk 37—Celebra te soc ia l work accomplishments this week by encouraging your colleagues to present their scholarly work at the poster presentation at NASW Ohio Chapter’s annual conference.

WEEk 38—NASW members are given free online access to the peer-reviewed journal, Social Work. enhance your skills by spending just 1 hour every few weeks perusing the latest in social work research.

WEEk 39—Be a catalyst for change and support social workers and officials running for public office who support social justice. Donate to the NASW Ohio Chapter Political Action for Candidate election Fund by sending your contribution to the NASW Ohio Chapter office.

WEEk 40—Stay informed on the issues you care about by periodically checking the national NASW blog at socialworkblog.org and the Ohio Chapter blog at naswohio.wordpress.com.

WEEk 41—get helpful tips for opening or closing a private practice with NASW’s Tools and Techniques series.

WEEk 42—“Like” NASW Ohio Chapter and your region on Facebook to connect to an online community of local social workers.

WEEk 43—Brush up on your ethical decision-making skills by watching the free webinar offered through the National NASW Lunchtime Ce Series.

WEEk 44—To ensure our clients receive the highest quality care and the social work profession is valued, we must elect decision-makers who care about issues of equality, inclusion and empowerment and who share our common goals as social workers. So exercise your right to vote on election Day 2014!

WEEk 45—Protect your career with NASW this week by watching the NASW Assurance Services webinar, Understanding Malpractice risk: What Social Workers Should Know.

WEEk 46—Plan to attend the largest gathering of social workers in Ohio on November 20th and 21st and complete 12 CeUs at the NASW Ohio Chapter’s Annual Conference.

WEEk 47—Skim the weekly email updates and the monthly e-newsletter to get the latest practice updates and to stay abreast of upcoming events.

WEEk 48—During the giving Season, choose to invest in the future of social work by donating to the NASW Foundation, the organization created to fund social work scholarships and research.

WEEk 49—register to get your supervision designation in one 9-hour CeU program, divided into three units so you can choose the delivery method that works best in your schedule.

WEEk 50—Show everyone why social work is critical to the fabric of society with social work themed merchandise for your office or your home, available at the NASW Store.

WEEk 51—engage in your local social work community by getting involved in the social events and CeU opportunities available in your region.

WEEk 52—Use December to ensure you’re aware of any major national changes affecting clinical practice. NASW summarizes these major changes for social workers for the upcoming year at socialworkers.org.


Out Of State Practice iSSueS

Violating the laws of another state can be a very confusing legal issue and potentially puts your Ohio license in jeopardy. As long as your practice is limited to Ohio (i.e., your office is in Ohio and you are only seeing patients there) then you can probably skip reading the rest of this article. If, however, you have clients that go on vacation in other states and want to continue receiving services or if you go on vacation and continue to practice in other states while on vacation, please read on. You may be facing more problems than you realize.

A few years ago a psychologist in Ohio sought an opinion from the State of Florida Board of Psychology on whether he could legally treat patients in Ohio while he was spending time in Florida. While located in Florida, he would see patients via telecommunications, including telephone sessions, emails, and video conferencing. The Florida Board declared that this would qualify as practicing psychology in Florida based on the amount of time he spent communicating with Ohio patients while in Florida, even though he maintained his Ohio psychology license and only treated Ohio patients.

Several points are important. First, there is a Florida exemption statute,490.014(2)(e) of the Florida code, which allows a psychologist from another state to practice in Florida for no more than 5 days in any month and no more than 15 days in any calendar year. In checking the exemptions for counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists I found a similar statute but with a different exemption limit. Statute 491.014 of the Florida code limits the practice to 15 days in a calendar year but does not include the “no more than 5 day a month” prohibition. What I want to emphasize is that each state has its own set of laws and those laws may vary by profession. If you plan to provide services to a client while the client is located in a different state, even for a short period of time, or if you are practicing while in another state, you need to check with the corresponding state’s licensing board. It appears that if you are a social worker you could provide services to a client visiting Florida or if you are in Florida, for a maximum of 15 days per year. Other states will have different requirements. Some states may not allow any

type of service to be performed if you are located in a state where you are not licensed or if your client is present in a state where you are not licensed.

Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage & Family Therapist Board rule 4757-3-01 (ee) defines “electronic service delivery” (electronic therapy, cyber therapy, e-therapy, etc.) as counseling, social work or marriage and family therapy in any form offered or rendered primarily by electronic or technology assisted approaches when the counselor, social worker or marriage and family therapist and the client are not located in the same place during the delivery of services. Although this definition of electronic service delivery appears to include phone therapy and although the rule requires all electronic communications to be encrypted, when I specifically asked about this I was told by the drafter of the rule at the Board that it was not intended to cover phone therapy. On the other hand, it seems to me that someone could interpret the rule as including phone therapy since it involves therapy that is electronically assisted and the therapist and client are not located in the same place. However, if the rule ever does apply to phone therapy I don’t know how you would encrypt a phone conversation, which is a requirement for electronic service delivery.

4757-5-13, the electronic service delivery rule, provides the following:(1) All practitioners providing counseling, social work or marriage and family therapy via electronic service delivery to Ohio citizens shall be licensed in Ohio.(2) All licensees of this board providing services to clients outside the state of Ohio shall comply with the laws and rules of that jurisdiction.

So as long as you are following the laws in another state you should be fine, which in the case of Florida would seem to mean that you can practice there for up to 15 days per year. If you or your client are located in another state, you will have to check the laws of that state to determine whether or not you can provide therapy at all. (Please note that if you are an out-of-state therapist you can never provide therapy through electronic means to an Ohio citizen without being licensed by the Ohio Board.) If the therapy that you are providing to an out-of-state resident involves “electronic service delivery”, then you could wind up being disciplined in Ohio if you are not complying with the laws of the other state. If you are providing phone therapy, however,

then under at least one interpretation of the electronic service delivery rule you could not be disciplined in Ohio for violating another state’s rule (if the electronic service delivery rule does not apply to phone therapy). except for violations of the electronic service delivery rule, under Ohio law the Ohio Board can only take action against your Ohio license if another state takes action against you if you are also licensed in that state.

Confusing? Absolutely. I am aware that various national organizations are looking at ways to streamline out-of-state practices. But until there is more uniformity, the only rule that you can be sure about, unless you specifically research the laws in each state, is that you are potentially violating the law by providing therapy while in another state or providing therapy to someone in another state. Practicing without a license can result, in some instances, in criminal charges being brought against you if the other state’s statutes make it a crime to practice a profession without a license from that state.

© 2013 glennon J Karr, LLC

Glenn Karr’s practice areas include: CSWMFT Board complaint defense; types of entities —corporation, LLC, or sole proprietorship; independent contractor vs. employee issues; leases and contractual documents; practice forms review, including HIPAA issues and audits; advice on duty to protect, abuse reporting situations; other laws and rules affecting your practice; employment issues, ADA, age discrimination, unemployment compensation; non-competition issues; responding to subpoenas and court testimony; how to leave a practice and set up your own; multi-disciplinary practice issues; Medicare and Medicaid issues; and dealing with managed care plans and insurance companies.

glenn Karr is presenting his three-hour ethics approved workshop: 9 Major Practice Problem Areas Facing Mental Health Therapists/Chemical Dependency Professionals at various locations throughout Ohio, sponsored by NASW. Check the NASW Ohio website for details and registration—typically the workshop is coupled with another three-hour workshop on supervision. glenn’s workshop qualifies as three hours of ethics credit for social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, and chemical dependency professionals. Please check the NASW Ohio website for future workshop dates.

THe LegAL COrNer By: glenn Karr, Attorney at Law


On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law, creating opportunities for affordable health care for millions of Americans. The ACA, also referred to as “Obamacare”, has many effects on health care and health insurance, including helping many Americans access and pay for health insurance, through expanding state Medicaid programs and through the new health insurance marketplaces being developed for each state (http://kff.org/interactive/coverage-expansion-map/). In Ohio, expanding Medicaid means that almost half a million people could enroll in Medicaid for the first time.

In June of 2012, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the ACA, but the court struck down one component of the law. The ACA mandates or requires that states expand their Medicaid populations to include all citizens who make 138% or less of the federal poverty level (FPL)—$15,856 for an individual or $26,951 for a family of three in 2013; however, the Supreme Court ruled that the Federal government cannot punish states that do not expand the Medicaid program. By removing the threat of punishment, the Supreme

Court ruling made Medicaid expansion optional for states, giving each state the ability to decide for itself whether to provide health care access for people who make less than 138% FPL.

As of writing, 25 states and the District of Columbia have expanded their Medicaid programs while 25 states have not (http://kff.org/health-reform/slide/current-status-of-the-medicaid-expansion-decision/). In many states Medicaid expansion became a litmus test for support of Obamacare. Ohio’s debate over expansion was a little different.

Ohio is one of many states that faced a difficult battle to expand Medicaid, with republican governor John Kasich supporting the expansion, citing his faith and a desire to support the most vulnerable Ohioans, while the republican legislature opposed expansion.

Advocates across Ohio played a large role in pushing for expansion. After a decision in April by the House Finance Committee to reject Medicaid expansion, 2,500 Ohioans gathered on the statehouse lawn to urge lawmakers to say yes to expanding health care to tens of thousands of Ohioans (http://www.advocatesforohio.org/post.php?s=2013-04-12-2500-strong-rally-brings-healthcare-supporters-to-legislators-front-yard). Later in April advocates circled the entire statehouse block to show public support for expanding health care (http://www.advocatesforohio.org/post.php?s=2013-04-17-1000-circle-statehouse-to-support-health-care-access).

Other actions included calling legislators, sending emails, and participating in events across the state supporting Medicaid. These advocacy actions kept Medicaid expansion in the news and on legislators’ desks and demonstrated widespread, lasting support for health care access. The coalition of groups supporting expansion included business, hospitals, advocates, chambers of commerce, veterans, the Democratic caucus and the governor.

The Ohio legislature continued to resist Medicaid expansion through the state budget process and afterward when sessions resumed in the fall. Advocates continued to put pressure on the legislature to act by introducing a ballot initiative to allow Ohioans to vote to expand Medicaid in November 2014. In October, governor Kasich asked the Ohio Controlling Board—a body that approves changes to state spending in between budgets—to approve the use of federal funds to expand Medicaid. The Controlling Board voted 5-2 to approve funding for Medicaid on October 21, eliminating the need for an action by the legislature (http://www.advocatesforohio.org/post?s=2013-10-21-ohio-becomes-the-25th-state-to-expand-medicaid).

Since that date, a lawsuit has been filed to oppose the Controlling Board’s action and advocates are involved in making the case for expansion again before the Ohio Supreme Court. As long as the Ohio Supreme Court does not rule against Medicaid expansion, the program will be funded through July 1, 2015. We expect a decision before the end of the year.

The work to expand Medicaid in Ohio is not over yet, but with the Controlling Board decision, we are getting close. The effort has required an organized, ongoing effort by advocates and participation by thousands of Ohioans in many small ways, like sending an email or making a call. The original strategy for expanding Medicaid in the state budget was unsuccessful and advocates had to pivot to new strategies. With Medicaid expansion in place, one new challenge for advocates is to make sure that Ohioans who are now eligible for health insurance hear about the program and enroll.

To become involved in upcoming advocacy efforts and to get updates that can inform your practice, join the Advocates for Ohio’s Future email list. We provide webinars, trainings, advocacy alerts, and help you advocate for strong families and communities for all Ohioans. You can join at advocatesforohio.org.

expANDINg AcceSS to heAlth cAre for All ohIoANS By: gail Clendenin, Advocates for Ohio’s Future


Wishing you could change the world? What social worker wouldn’t? What about bringing emotional relief to the masses? The upcoming International Day of Happiness on March 20 aims to do just that. In our line of work, we often deal with clients who have hit rock bottom. They are often sad and world weary and feeling good can seem almost unattainable. But it’s not.

The International Day of Happiness will be a day to appreciate yourself and others for your inner strength and potential to feel inner satisfaction that we all have. It’s not about false reassurance or denial; it’s awakening to your blessings and being thankful for the power it has taken to endure the worst in order to recover. Most importantly, it’s a day inviting us to smile, just because we can, and because sometimes, that’s enough to awaken joy in many hearts.

The International Day of Happiness is a day to draw positive attention to your agency as you recognize staff for their devoted attention to clients. Contact the media to have them visit your agency as a way to spread the word about your agency and your Happiness Day activities. Clients will benefit from staff who feel recognized and appreciated.

I discovered something amazing as I sat at the airport staring at frowns at 5:30am one morning. I started to offer each person a button that states “I Am Happy No Matter What!” and I watched each person who took one, light up, as if awakening with a smile. People helped themselves to buttons happily and pinned the buttons on their clothes immediately. People were smiling and chatting at 6am at the airport. It was a surprising contrast.

It seems so simple yet so profound, as if the words on the button, the fact of wearing them, seeing it on another person and sharing it with others actually appears to shift a person’s energy into an uplifted state of mind. One of

our colleagues reminded me, “You never know whose life will be turned around when you wear the button in public.”

What accounts for the openness to receive the button? It’s a symbol of what? It’s, simply put, good will! Pure giving without looking for something in return. People report a very nice feeling when recognized and acknowledged. One’s enduring satisfaction and happiness, one’s personal strengths, are often eclipsed by a person’s troubles. Allowing ourselves the smile of happiness, we can then find joy in many places; the way the flowers bloom in the spring and the sound of chirping birds can illicit happiness within us. Let’s offer this experience to others.

Be the one in your agency to speak out to create simple ways, activities to bring out a smile, to reflect the inner satisfaction that is natural within. This will send waves of positive energy through your agency and into the world. Plan it now for March 20, 2014.

Ellen Seigel, LISW and author of “Be Happy No Matter What” (2012), offers a transformative approach to stress and frustration, troublesome, obsolete and self-sabotaging beliefs, ideas and behavior. She awakens people to their natural goodness and well being that is despite or even because of their challenges and troubles. She assists social workers who are in the best position to empower clients to facilitate their own growth through learning new approaches. She is a fan of the idea that we can choose the way we experience our situations, and she’s spreading the word that happiness can be experienced no matter what! If you would like buttons for your office, they are available at the website: www.BeHappyNoMatterWhat.com.

The iNTerNATiONAl DAy OF hAppiNeSS By: ellen Seigel, LISW


“It is not simply the absence of risk factors and presence of protective factors that determines the health and well-being of a young person, but the interplay between them that affects health.” (OAHP Strategic Plan, p. 10)

Adolescence is a vulnerable stage of development, with far-reaching implications for individual and societal health. Social workers are uniquely positioned to best help adolescents given our multi-faceted skills and our presence in nearly every arena that serves this population. And in Ohio we now have a powerful platform from which to act—the Ohio Adolescent Health Partnership.

The Ohio Adolescent Health Partnership (OAHP) initially began as a small group of pediatricians who advised the Ohio Department of Health on matters related to adolescents. Several years ago the partnership expanded to include experts from across the state, including many social workers, and in September of 2013 the OAHP launched its strategic plan to improve adolescent health and safety by 2020. I foresee that Ohio social workers will play a key role in implementing the objectives outlined in the current plan.

With an overarching goal for Ohio adolescents to be healthy, safe and successful, the OAHP has identified 5 key adolescent health priority areas: 1) Behavioral Health (Mental Health & Substance Abuse)2) Injury, Violence & Safety 3) reproductive Health 4) Nutrition & Physical Activity 5) Sleep

It is important to note that these five areas cannot be successfully addressed in isolation. For example, adolescents who are sleep-deprived display more aggression, experience more anxiety and depression, engage in riskier sexual behaviors, choose sedentary behavior over active play, and make poorer food choices. By improving collaboration across the state, across agencies, and across disciplines in all five areas, the OAHP will improve outcomes for our adolescents.

Whether you work in criminal justice, mental health, substance abuse, healthcare, education, child welfare, or administration, chances are you can be a vital part of this initiative. The OAHP is encouraging social workers to join the partnership or, at minimum, familiarize themselves with the plan to better guide policy and practice.

Here is a sampling of some of the objectives cited in the OAHP Strategic Plan:

• Increase the number of educational activities and media campaigns directed towards adolescents, their families, and support networks addressing the signs of substance abuse and mental health disorders.

• Increase the utilization of evidence-based trauma-informed care for adolescents.

• Decrease the rate of adolescents who engage in or are subjected to bullying, cyber-

bullying, sexual harassment, and violence, including gender-based violence.

• Increase education for health care providers , coaches, sporting officials, parents, and adolescents about identification and treatment of TBI.

• Increase the number of schools with quality health education including evidence-based reproductive health.

• Increase the percentage of adolescents eating breakfast every morning.

• Increase the percent of overweight or obese adolescents who are receiving medical counseling and/or treatment.

• Increase the percentage of adolescents who engage in good sleep hygiene habits.

• Increase the percentage of middle and high schools

participating in later school day start times.

The OAHP will hold its next open meeting on January 31, 2014 in Columbus, and all stakeholders are welcome to register and attend this free event. To learn more about the partnership, the January meeting, or to receive an electronic version of the strategic plan, contact Laura rooney at the Ohio Department of Health at [email protected] or 614-466-1335.

the role of SocIAl WorkerS IN ohIo ADoleSceNt heAlth, SAfety, AND SucceSSBy Stacy Simera, MSSA, LISW-S, SAP; Chair, Sleep Committee, Ohio Adolescent Health Partnership


SIgNS of gAMBlINg ADDIctIoNBy: Jennifer Clegg, MSW, LSW, NCgC-II/BACC (Nationally Certified gambling Counselor and Board Approved Clinical Consultant); gambling Specialist at recovery resources

In 2012, the state of Ohio welcomed casinos into the state. While casino gambling is new to Ohio, gambling is not. Horse tracks were introduced in Ohio in the 30’s. The lottery followed in 1974, and various charitable gaming such as poker, BINgO, and church festivals have been available for many years.

For the majority, gambling is a form of entertainment but approximately 1.5% of our population is struggling with an addiction to gambling. Although that number seems relatively low, the impact that gambling has on a person and their family is devastating. According to a study done by the National Institute of Health (NIH), 51% have had thoughts of suicide and 17% have attempted suicide. People with a gambling addiction also suffer from other co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety and substance use disorders. They are often very complex and require treatment to address all issues.

There are signs that might indicate a person is struggling with a gambling addiction. The DSM-5 categorizes gambling as an addiction. In the previous edition of the DSM, gambling was considered an impulse control disorder (not otherwise specified). According to research on the brain, gambling addiction is now recognized as an addiction similar to substance use. research has also indicated treatment models such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and the 12-step model as successful in treating gambling, also similar to substance use.

According to the DSM-5, the following criteria are used to diagnose gambling disorders:

A preoccupation with gambling (e.g., preoccupation with reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble)

A need to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired level of excitement

repeated, unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop gambling

Feels restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling (withdrawal symptoms)

Uses gambling as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of hopelessness, guilt, anxiety and depression)

After losing money gambling, often returns another day to get even (“chasing” one’s losses)

Lies to family members, therapist or others to conceal the extent of one’s involvement with gambling

Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job or educational or career opportunity because of gambling

relies on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling

The biggest difference between the DSM-IV Tr and the DSM-5 in regards to gambling disorder is the elimination of “has committed illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theft or embezzlement to finance gambling.” The justification for this deletion is that by the time a person struggling with gambling addiction has committed illegal acts, he or she will meet well more than five of the diagnostic criteria.

As social workers, we have opportunities to provide education and awareness around gambling addiction. There are various tools that can be used to screen people for a probable gambling addiction. These tools include the South Oaks gambling Screen (SOgS), the Brief Bio-Social gambling Screen (BBgCS) or the National Opinion research Center DSM Screen for gambling Problems (NODS). You can access these tools on the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services website: http://mha.ohio.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=507.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to gambling, there is help available. A percentage of the casino and lottery profits have been set aside to provide prevention and treatment services through the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Access these resources by calling the Ohio Problem gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966. In addition to this statewide resource, recovery resources has been providing gambling prevention and treatment services for nearly ten years in Northeastern Ohio. See what we have to offer at www.recres.org.


Simple math dictates that the first to die are the oldest and the most sick and that most good people die peacefully at age 100. At least, that is the math that I was doing when I left mortuary school in the mid-80’s to start my apprenticeship to become a licensed funeral director and embalmer. Fast forward to the present where this week that simple math really doesn’t add up for the bereaved families that we will meet with to make funeral and burial arrangements at Diehl-Whittaker Funeral Service. Why? Death was not imminent—no sickness, hospice care, or doctor’s warning was given. Through no fault of their own, these families are a part of our denying society that feels that we can pray death away, postpone it, or cause it to happen only when it is convenient for all involved. I listen as grieving families tell me about the prearranged plans made for an upcoming wedding, vacation, or other future event that included the deceased in a big way.

As a funeral director that specializes in advance funeral planning, I have come to realize that it is easy to neglect to have a prearranged plan in place in spite of the inevitable fact that at some time, and in some way, death will come for all of us. What is the family to decide when nothing has been discussed or preplanned as far as final wishes are concerned for their loved one-traditional services with cemetery burial or cremation with no funeral rites, a religious service at the family church or a spiritual ceremony officiated by a celebrant held at the funeral home chapel? Worse, death in many cases, whether unexpected or not, can happen when people are the least financially prepared.

I consider it my duty and privilege each day to meet with as many families as possible who are willing to preplan before the death occurs. I do this in the convenience of their home, bedside at a hospital, nursing home, or other medical facility, or at my office at the funeral

home which I have purposely tried to make as welcoming and comfortable for them as possible. By meeting in advance, I provide an opportunity for anyone willing to be involved to have input for the person(s) that we are preplanning to consider. More importantly, the express final wishes of the person(s) preplanning are verbally communicated and recorded in writing with the help of my many years of direction and experience. I then put in place the plan to carry out those wishes, and then discuss the financial costs that will be incurred. It is not surprising that most people have never checked into the cost of a funeral service, a cremation, a casket, the flowers, the cemetery, or any other selection that they will make pertaining to a death. For many, it is a relief that I pull all of this together for them and then discuss how these wishes will be financially handled at the time of need. existing life insurance policies and other means of paying for a funeral at need are reviewed. I also offer several prepayment options that will help alleviate the financial burden that a death can bring.

Those that I meet with are often surprised that as I listen to them throughout our meeting, I can recommend other persons and services that will help them before, during, and after a death occurs. These resources include social workers, grief counselors and grief support groups, hospices, and other community or social services agencies. I also encourage these resources and agencies to meet with me so that they will understand my preplanning process and therefore will feel comfortable referring a family to me. I also want them to see the value and benefit of preplanning for their own selves and loved ones.

For many years, I have also been training potential advance funeral planning professionals at the Outlook group Academy in Springboro,

Ohio. I am pleased that recently a new family presentation tool has been implemented that according to the training director, Candace Franco, “changes the focus from the ending of a life to the remembrance of a life, just by providing visual cues and giving people the gift of time”. At every Outlook Academy class that I am in front of, I do not miss an opportunity to tell them to align themselves with those willing to help us meet with families before the need arises. I know this advice works because at the beginning of my career, I walked into a nursing home and asked to speak to the social worker on staff. She was friendly but surprised at how she could help me, especially when a death had not yet occurred. I explained that I wanted to be a part of their intake process and therefore meet in advance with any family that had indicated that we would be their funeral home of choice. Needless to say, the look on her face told me that she had never considered doing this. I told her that with her introduction, it would make what I do and meeting with me at the beginning of the process seem to be a natural part of this life-changing event. We both agreed that some families would never be comfortable meeting with me in person immediately, but that they would have my name and contact information for the time that they felt that they were ready. I am happy to say that, to this day, the families that I have met with through this social worker’s introduction have received me and the preplanning process with much relief and gratitude.

I am asking that anyone who wants to be a part of making a family’s journey through life and then the inevitable death a little easier to make yourself and the families you assist known to a funeral director like me. Together, we are better able to help the families that we both serve.

ADvANce fuNerAl plANNINg: AN opportuNIty to provIDe peAce of MINDBy: Kelley Hubbard, Funeral Director and Pre-Planning Counselor, Diehl-Whittaker Funeral Service


tWo DAyS of leArNINg, NetWorkINg, AND celeBrAtIoN: 2013 NASW OhiO ChApTer ANNuAl CONFereNCe A SuCCeSS

A Place for MomAmerican Civil Liberties UnionApplewood Centers, Inc.Association of Social Work BoardsBeech BrookBellefaire JCBBellefaire JCB—Foster CareBrethren Care VillageBuckeye Community HealthCalifornia University of Pennsylvania Cancer Support Community Central OhioCentral Community HouseCentral Ohio Area Agency on AgingCentral rx PharmacyChildren’s Home of CincinnatiCincinnati Children’s HospitalClinical SpecialtiesComprehensive Cancer Control Program, Ohio Department of HealthDayton Children’s Hospital

Donate Life OhioeMDr ConsultingeMDr InstituteFirst Light Home CareFoundations for LivingFox run Center for Children and AdolescentsFranklin County Children ServicesFranklin County Office of Aginggreater Miami Valley Joint MASW: Miami University of Ohio and Wright State Universityguardian Medical MonitoringHeisel and AssociatesInHealth MutualJack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western reserve University— gold SponsorLighthouse Youth ServicesMake a Wish FoundationMaryhaven

Mom’s MealsMultiethnic Advocates for Cultural CompetenceNASW Assurance ServicesNational Church residencesNationwide Children’s HospitalNeil Kennedy recovery Clinic— Pewter SponsorNorthwoodsOhio Department of Health— HIV/STD/AVH/TB Prevention and ControlOhio guidestoneOhio Sickle Cell AssociationOhio State Comprehensive Wound CenterOhio University Social Work ProgramOpportunities for Ohioans with DisabilitiesPam reid, ACSW, LISW-SParamount AdvantagePersonal Care ProductsPomegranate Health SystemsScioto Community

Springfield Masonic CommunitySt. Joseph’s HospiceSt. Vincent Family CenterTalbert HouseThe Ohio State University College of Social Work —gold SponsorUMCH Family Services University of Akron School of Social WorkUniversity of Cincinnati School of Social WorkUniversity of Pittsburgh School of Social WorkViaQuestVITAS Innovative Hospice Care —Platinum SponsorWayne State University School of Social WorkWest Virginia University School of Social Work

The 2013 NASW Ohio Chapter Annual Conference hosted on November 21 and 22 was a great success. The conference featured two keynote speakers; 39 workshops; 64 sponsors, including 55 exhibitors; and more than 350 attendees each day. Thank you to all of the volunteers, presenters, sponsors, and attendees for participating.

Thank you To ThE 2013 ConFEREnCE SponSoRS! registration fees were kept low due to sponsors’ participation.


MaRk youR CalEnDaRS noW FoR ThE 2014 annual ConFEREnCE.NOVeMBer 20 & 21, 2014

QUeST CONFereNCe CeNTer, COLUMBUS, OH

The call for presentation proposals is open at naswoh.org. registration will open in July.


New

s from the regions

region I—Toledo Area c o – D I r e c t o r S

Sarah Claridge [email protected]

Jennifer [email protected]

region 1 is offering two additional opportunities for free CeUs in February at

Bluffton University so please mark your calendar. On Tuesday, February 25, Aris Averette, MSSA and Social Work Coordinator for the Chicago Center for Urban Life and Culture, will present two workshops. The first will be from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. His presentation, The economics of 2014 and the Implications for Social Work Majors, will provide 1 hour of continuing education. He will provide a more in-depth workshop in the afternoon of the same day for 3 hours of continuing education from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Please register online at naswoh.org/calendar if you plan to attend either workshop. Contact Dr. Jennifer Hughes at [email protected] for more information.

Region 1 Includes: Allen, Auglaize, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Henry, Hardin, Logan, Lucas, Mercer, Ottawa, Paulding, Putnam, Sandusky, Seneca, Shelby, Van Wert, Wood, Williams, and Wyandot Counties.

region II—Akron Areac o – D I r e c t o r S

Lesley [email protected]

Krystal [email protected]

1 C e U P r e s e n t a t i o n : Wednesday, January 22, 2014: The speaker for the

January meeting is still being determined. Be sure to check the region 2 webpage at naswoh.org and check your e-mail for more information about this presentation.

1 CeU Presentation: Wednesday, February 26, 2014, 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM: The speaker for the February meeting is Dawn Boudrie, LSW, Intake Supervisor and Alternative response Supervisor, Summit County Children Services. Topic covered will be on Update on the Success of Alternative response.

region II continues to invite new and current members to its meetings. All are invited to attend our monthly meeting held on the forth Wednesday of the month, from 8:30am – 10:30am at greenleaf Family Center, 580 grant Street in Akron. The monthly business meeting is from 8:30am to 9:30am and the CeU is from 9:30am-10:30am. Seating is limited; rSVP your attendance to Lorraine ellithorp at (330) 554-3829 or Lesley Anderson at (330) 836-2940, ext. 104.

Region 2 Includes: Erie, Huron, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit Counties.

region III— Cleveland Areac o – D I r e c t o r S

Sherri Skedel [email protected]

Tammi [email protected]

We are excited to announce that the NASW Cleveland region (3) has a reserved meeting location allowing for accessibility to all current members and potential members. With the help of one of our long time, committed members, this location will appease the entire Cleveland area with free parking and easy accessibility. Meetings will continue to be held every fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM at the Free Medical Clinic of greater Cleveland, 12201 euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106.

We are still seeking volunteers/advocates for the Cuyahoga County Conference on Social Welfare to be held March 28, 2014 at Cleveland State University. We invite those interested to attend one of our monthly meetings or to email one of the co-directors.

Last month’s meeting discussed connecting with the educational, professional, and politically-based professionals who would be interested in conducting trainings offering CeUs. And since we are interested in collaborating with these entities, we are just as excited to welcome new ideas and feedback regarding the Cleveland region.

Region 3 includes Cuyahoga County.

region IV— Youngstown Area c o – D I r e c t o r S

Christine Barnes [email protected]

Jerry Jo [email protected]

The next Lake/Ashtabula Coun ty mee t ing wi l l be

Monday, January 13 at 5:30 PM at Joey’s Italian grille in Madison, OH. The next Mahoning/Trumbull County meeting will be scheduled in February. The exact date, time, and place TBD.

I encourage each NASW member to bring along a non-member to your meeting. Let’s show non-members what an NASW membership can do for them! If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact Christine Barnes at [email protected].

Region 4 Includes: Ashtabula, Carroll, Columbiana, Geauga, Harrison, Jefferson, Lake, Mahoning, and Trumbull Counties.

region V—Columbus Area r e g I o N A l D I r e c t o r

Tom [email protected]

Dear region 5 NASW Member: As you set your goals for 2014, I encourage you to allocate time to support region 5 of the NASW Ohio Chapter. Listed on page #6 are a wide range of activities made available to you through your NASW membership. Please take the time to choose one or make up your own, but put it on your goal list for 2014. I plan to set aside 1 hour a week to support NASW activities. If we all become actively involved in NASW, we can enhance our profession to the benefit of social workers, our clients and society as a whole. Let me know what actions you will take to support NASW in 2014!

Social Work SocialFriday, January 10, 6:00 PMPlank’s Café and Pizzeria (743 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206)

Come join other s tudents and new professionals for an evening to relax, meet


new people and share stories from social work in region 5. NASW members and non-members welcome! For more information, contact Steve David at [email protected].

Region 5 Includes: Athens; Belmont; Delaware; Fairfield; Fayette; Franklin; Gallia; Guernsey; Hocking; Jackson; Licking; Madison; Meigs; Morgan; Monroe; Muskingum; Noble; Perry; Pickaway; Ross; Union; Vinton; And Washington Counties.

Region VI–Cincinnati Areac o – D I r e c t o r S

Kaitlyn WesselsLeah Taylor Vensil

[email protected]

greetings region 6! We hope you had a wonderful holiday season and have great plans for 2014. region 6 is in the beginning stages of planning their annual awards banquet and need your help. If you know of standout agencies and individuals, please nominate them for our 2014 NASW Annual Awards. In addition, we need help planning the banquet; if you are interested in helping with the banquet, please email us at [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>. Lastly, if you are interested in becoming a Co-Director, please contact Kaitlyn and/or Leah for more information.

Region 6 Includes: Adams, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton, Highland, Lawrence, Pike, Scioto, and Warren Counties.

region VII—Dayton Area r e g I o N A l D I r e c t o r

ebony [email protected]

Region 7 Includes: Darke, Champaign, Clark, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, and Preble Counties.

region VIII—Canton Area r e g I o N A l D I r e c t o r

Crystal [email protected]

Hello, Members! I am still energized from the NASW Ohio Chapter Annual Conference! It was an awesome experience. I enjoyed seeing existing members and meeting new members from the region. Thank you to everyone who made the conference a success. Congratulations to the 2013 NASW Ohio State Award Winners!

region 8 is offering 2 CeU hours in the month of January. On January 15, NASW member and Associate Professor of Social Work and Field Coordinator at Malone University, elizabeth Patterson, MSW, LISW-S, is presenting “Anti-Oppressive Practice: What It Is and How Can We Apply It In Our Practice”. The learning objectives are to understand how privilege, power, and oppression impact social work practice; to gain knowledge of anti-oppressive practice as it applies to our fields of practice; and to apply anti-oppressive practice to our professional work. The presentation is scheduled from 6:00-8:00 PM in conference room CC-104.

It is the season to recognize the work that we as social workers have accomplished throughout the year. region 8 is in the process of selecting nominees for the 2014 regional Awards Banquet. We would love your input in the planning and selection process. I hope to see you soon!

Region 8 includes: Ashland, Coshocton, Crawford, Holmes, Knox, Marion, Morrow, Richland, Stark, Tuscarawas, and Wayne Counties.

The NASW Delegate Assembly has the responsibility of approving the professional and social policy statements, as well as program priority goals for the Association to help guide policy and practice activities. The 2014 Delegate Assembly will be working on policy review until the date of the actual assembly on August 2, 2014. Policy reviews will include important professional and social justice issues, such as end of Life Care, LgBT Issues, Homelessness, Women’s Issues, racism, Public Child Welfare, and the role of government, Social Policy and Social Work.

All policies proposed and revised are placed online for a 30 day comment period from membership before they are finalized. Members will be notified by email and social media for comment, and the final draft will be placed online in order for delegate voting to take place. Please look for updates and the opportunity to become involved through the national membership login at www.socialworkers.org.

Want to learn more about NASW Policy? Check out the latest 9th edition of Social Work Speaks through www.naswpress.org.

NASW DelegAte ASSeMBly: ShApINg polIcy AND prActIce

THe FIrST NASW

DeLegATe

ASSeMBLY WAS

HeLD IN 1956


Social work has a strong history of advocacy for our clients and social work issues alike. This holds true after a conversation with some professional counselor colleagues of mine this past summer. They described a desire to learn how to advocate/lobby better for their profession similar to how social workers do on a regular basis. In the Social Work Code of ethics it states that:

“Social Workers should be aware of the impact of the political arena on practice and should advocate for changes in policy and legislation to improve social conditions in order to meet basic human needs and promote social justice.”

Advocating/lobbying is an essential component of our profession, yet it can appear as a daunting task for many. I admit I was one of those people who was intimidated and overwhelmed by the process. However, I have delved more into the actual method of advocating/lobbying and I am happy to report that it is not as daunting as it seems.

We begin by identifying the issue or problem impacting our profession. School social work is not a common title or position in Ohio schools, and administrators, teachers, parents, and students often wonder what the role of the school social worker is. Ohio school districts are shifting to school-based mental health providers being placed in their school buildings to cut costs and connect students to community resources instead of a district-employed school social worker who works directly with students, families, staff, and administrators.

Once the issue is identified it is important to compile personable success stories and track student improvement data as a key component towards the effectiveness of the services school social workers provide. This information supports what makes a school social worker’s skill set distinct from a school-based mental health provider.

Beyond the specific school social work service qualitative and quantitative data, it is crucial to research what solutions have been done in the past and why new approaches need to be made. Often district-employed school social workers are able to serve all children in their assigned buildings versus school-based mental health workers who have to bill students’ insurance plans to receive reimbursement for services. This makes it difficult for students without insurance to access services as well as families that cannot afford the co-pays for the services. School social workers are qualified to diagnose mental health disorders, but do not have to diagnose students with a mental health disorder in order to provide students with services. In contrast, school-based mental health providers can work only with students who have a diagnosable mental health disorder in order to be reimbursed by the student’s insurance for their services. Another benefit to using district-employed school social workers is that they are able to mold their services to the needs of the school staff and administration as well as to students and families. In Ohio school-based mental health providers are only allotted 52 billable hours of individual therapy and 104 hours of case management services when working with a student on Medicaid insurance. Private insurance plans vary on how many individual therapy sessions they will cover depending on the diagnosis and treatment approach. Additionally, school-based mental health providers function mainly on a micro level focusing on the students that are on their caseload. District-employed school social workers are trained in micro and macro level work in schools creating a larger effect on the school climate and culture by working with students, families, staff, and administration cohesively. Finally, school social workers hold a license through the Ohio Department of education verifying their specific training in assisting schools versus school-based mental health providers who do not have education specific training.

Once the information is compiled, it is critical to articulate the aforementioned points about the importance of district-employed school social workers to the local PTA up to the federal level. This information can be disseminated in many forms from face-to-face conversations with state representatives to more formal presentations with school boards. Make sure to limit the focus and form a concise message, no matter the forum, in order to get your message across.

Another key component of effective advocacy is to develop a network of allies both locally and nationally. This reiterates the importance of joining professional organizations such as Ohio School Social Work Association (OSSWA), School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA), and National Association of Social Workers (NASW) because there is always power in larger numbers. OSSWA is now a State Affiliate with SSWAA and OSSWA works closely with the NASW Ohio Chapter regarding various school social work and social work related issues.

This is the foundation for strong advocacy efforts and we cannot do it without members like you. Thank you for your continued dedication to the school social work profession.

the Art of ADvocAtINg for School SocIAl Work IN ohIo By: rebecca Wilson, MSSA, LISW; Legislative Director, Ohio School Social Work Association

JoIn ThE ohIo SChool SoCIal WoRk aSSoCIaTIon aT hTTp://oSSWa.oRg/MEMbERShIp-REgISTRaTIon/


Dr. Richard Romaniuk, LISW-S, is a social worker and instructor at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University. Together with Prof. Kathleen Farkas he teaches an international study abroad course: Invisible Groups in a New Poland. He is interested in how different countries take care of their poor and vulnerable. His observations have been presented in earlier issues.

My first job as a social worker was as an HIV/AIDS counselor. We had been educated about how the HIV virus is transmitted and how to decrease chances for infection. We learned about stigma, how to talk about sex and that there is no good prevention without confronting society’s countless taboos. each year brought new developments in our common efforts. Today we have a good understanding of how people get infected and how to use medication to control virus load. However, we also have big enemies—complacency and denial. The virus is still there.

To be a volunteer in Africa sounds great. I had to do it. Out of several choices I decided to volunteer in the HIV project in Tanzania at the foot of Kilimanjaro. If you search the Internet you will find KIWAKKUKI, the organization that is perhaps the best example of a local response to a significant health crisis and international response to the call for help (1). KIWAKKUKI is a Swahili acronym of Kilimanjaro’s Women’s group against AIDS. Yes, they work with men and with everybody who can help.

Tanya, a volunteer from Scotland, and I came to KIWAKKUKI on a Monday morning in July 2013. The agency is located in Moshi in a building with four floors—a skyscraper compared to the mostly single-level buildings surrounding it. We met with five people who worked there. We heard presentations about the history and composition of the agency. We had questions about the character of local problems and the needs of people who are served by the agency.

We learned about the situation of a woman whose husband died from AIDS. According to local custom, she was taken to her husband’s brother’s family. The brother had sex with her and with his own wife. When we heard stories like that, it

became clear that the main problem here is that this is a men’s world and women work for men and do not question their position. Tanya and I said that we should start a women’s revolution here. It was quite ironic if we think about the name of the organization. This was a women’s organization. They already made their revolution. You can see many pictures all over the Internet of how successful they were. So then what happened?

When people developed AIDS, there was a need for home health care. Parents were dying at a young age leaving their children without help and resources. Many kids lived on the street. Some children found places in orphanages. Countless volunteers from all around the world were coming to help people in home health care and child care. KIWAKKUKI adopted a special memory program that helped many children in Africa to legally own their parents’ homes and property and to write stories and pictures that will help them to remember their families. You still can see their pictures online – just look for memory books about AIDS in Africa. Students and faculty in research programs from American and european universities came to KIWAKKUKI to study how to motivate people in the Kilimanjaro area for HIV testing and to educate them in prevention techniques. There were numerous AIDS victims who needed immediate and life-saving help and there were women who stood up to fight for their own lives and the lives of their children, with the solidarity of the whole world. If you go to different websites about KIWAKKUKI, you will see illustrations of the power of international social work.

But, again, what happened? Now we have medication, a highly active antiretroviral therapy that helps to lower the HIV virus load and prevent the development of AIDS. People who are infected

with HIV do not get AIDS and do not die. There is no need for home health care. Children have their parents. However, medication is expensive and many people get sick from medication. They cannot work and support their children. They still need help, mostly financial.

Today, there are only a few people on staff in KIWAKKUKI in the four-floor building. There is no money. There is no research. There are no volunteers because there is not much work for them. There is no money for education and HIV prevention. I talked with a doctor in KIWAKKUKI: “But the HIV virus is still there, there are more people with HIV. People do not die. There are more new infections!” She looks at me and I see fear in her eyes. She said covering her mouth: “We cannot talk like that!” Sure, if the problem is that people do not die…

There are young men who want to help children in need and there are young women who teach other women empowerment and job skills so they can support themselves. I have met them in Moshi. They are wonderful! Look for Msamaria and look for Kauli on Facebook. I asked them: “If you get a room in KIWAKKUKI building, will you help children and women to learn about HIV and how to help each other”? They agreed with enthusiasm. After I came back home, I got a message that they met together. I remember the slogan from the KIWAKKUKI office: “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.”

1. Iris Strauch & Anne Béatrice eickhoff, (2004). KIWAKKUKI - Women Fight Against HIV/AIDS, an encouraging example for Social Work in Tanzania. Social Work & Society, International Online Journal http://www.socwork.net/sws/article/view/228/459.

kIWAkkukI, A pAge froM A MeMory Book?By: richard romaniuk, LISW-S


JanuaRy 7, 2014region 3 free Workshop: tANf recipients and Drug testing7:00 PMACLU Ohio, Cleveland

Presenter: Melissa Bilancini, LSW

Melissa Bilancini, LSW, vice president of NASW Ohio Chapter, and policy coordinator for The American Civil Liberties Unions of Ohio, presents this free workshop for NASW members on proposals to require TANF applicants to submit to drug-testing prior to receiving funds. A pilot program in a few select counties has been proposed through legislation in Ohio. Similar programs have been introduced in states across the country. Learn how the proposed program would impact Ohio social workers and their clients.

JanuaRy 8, 2014Wake up to Social Work ceu Series—child Welfare10:00-11:00 AM, 1 CeU for social workersPresenter: emily Wampler, LSWFree, Online, Members-OnlyPre-register at naswoh.org/webinars.

JanuaRy 15, 2014oDMh/NASW Brown Bag training - Whole person care (physical, mental health & substance abuse) 12:30-1:30 PM, 1 CeU for social workers and counselorsrhodes Tower, Columbus

Free FOr NASW MeMBerS

The Ohio Department of Mental Health, in partnership with NASW Ohio Chapter, offers this innovative training series on addictions and mental health with particular focus on co-occurring disorders. The January workshop will focus on whole person care.

JanuaRy 18, 2014pick one or Both: 3-hour ethics training & 3-hour Supervision training9:00 AM – 4:30 PM, 6 CEUs for social workers and counselorsDublin Springs, Columbus

COST:NASW Members: $45 for 1 workshop/ $80 for 2 workshops

NASW Student Members: $10 for 1 workshop/$15 for 2 workshopsNon-Members: $75 for 1 workshop/ $140 for 2 workshopsStudent, Non-Members: $75 for 1 workshop/$140 for 2 workshops

Supervision of practice: Models and Methods clinical Supervision—Identifying and Addressing Distinctive Issues in Supervision (9:00 AM—12:15 PM, 3 CeUs for social workers and counselors, meets supervision requirement)

Presenter: Cindy Webb, LISW-S

Whether you are a novice or seasoned supervisor, you will not want to pass up this workshop! regardless of the length and breadth of your social work experience, we can all benefit from exploring the distinctive issues that arise in supervision, especially because the relationship dynamics are different between each supervisor and each supervisee. Under the experienced leadership of Cynthia Webb, you will identify your strengths, limitations, and learning needs in this workshop. All three primary supervisory functions (administrative, educative, and supportive) will be addressed in order to raise your supervisory skills to the next level. By taking this workshop, you will fulfill the CSMFT Board requirement for three hours of continuing professional education in supervision during each renewal period to maintain your LISW-S licensure.

ethics of Social Media (1:15–4:30 PM, 3 CeUs for social workers and counselors, meets ethics requirement)

Presenter: Danielle Smith, MSW, MA, LSW; executive Director, NASW Ohio Chapter

Use of social media and new technologies has exploded in the new millennium. More people than ever before are using the Internet to connect to one another, which poses benefits and challenges to the profession of social work. In this presentation you will learn about the ethical implications of social media and new technologies on the practice of social work and in other helping professions. Participants will learn the website-specific risks, benefits, and strategies to avoid ethical

violations. You will also learn about social media in an organizational context and how to discuss social media use with your clients. Additionally, other technology risks will be discussed including the benefits and issues associated with providing therapy and supervision through technology and how to use proper methods to ensure confidentiality and data security in your work.

JanuaRy 31, 2014professional Development Webinar: Salary Negotiation12:00-1:00 PMPresenter: ebony Speakes-Hall, region 7 (Dayton Area) Director

Free, ONLINe, MeMBerS-ONLY

NASW Ohio Chapter is offering quarterly professional development webinars related to topics that social workers and social work students have told us they want offered. This is a members-only webinar. Pre-register at naswoh.org/careerconnection.

FEbRuaRy 12, 2014healthcare reform update10:00-11:00 AM, 1 CeU for social workers

Presenter: Nita Carter

Free, ONLINe, MeMBerS-ONLYPre-register at naswoh.org/webinars.

FEbRuaRy 21, 2014DSM-5 Workshop: Autism9:30 AM–4:30 PM, 6 CEUs for social workersColumbus

Presenter: Phil ScozzaroFor more information visit naswoh.org/calendar.

FEbRuaRy 28, 2014pick one or Both: 3-hour ethics training & 3-hour Supervision training9:00 AM–4:30 PM, 6 CEUs for social workers and counselorsBrookwood retirement Community, Cincinnati

COST:NASW Members: $45 for 1 workshop/ $80 for 2 workshopsNASW Student Members: $10 for 1 workshop/$15 for 2 workshopsNon-Members: $75 for 1 workshop/

NASW OhiO ChApTer WoRkShopS


$140 for 2 workshopsStudent, Non-Members: $75 for 1 workshop/$140 for 2 workshops

Issues in Social Work Supervision (9:00 AM–12:15 PM, 3 CEUs for social workers and counselors, meets supervision requirement)

Presenter: Linda Helm, LISW-S

This workshop will provide an explanation of the Ohio Licensing Law and procedures for LISW-S (supervision designation), the need for supervision, a framework for understanding the basic three functions of supervision (education, administration, and support), the role of the supervisor within these functions, the use of self and emotional intelligence in supervision, setting up a supervision contract, the role of evaluation, and the doctrine of vicarious liability—respondeat superiore.

9 Major practice problem Areas facing Mental health therapists (1:15-4:30 PM, 3 CeUs for social workers and counselors, meets ethics requirement)

Presenter: glenn Karr, JD

glenn Karr, an attorney with decades of experience working in the health care field and with mental health therapists, will prepare you to avoid problems that can result in a complaint. even if you have never been in a troubling situation with the Board or your employer, this workshop will help you solve problems in high-risk settings. This workshop looks at the highest risk areas for licensure/ethics/malpractice complaints. A significant portion of the presentation is devoted to current and recently adopted CSWMFT Board rules as well as new HIPAA rules and their effects on your practice.

MaRCh 2014licensure preparation courses9:30 AM –4:30 PM, 6 CEUs for social workersCleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati (See our online calendar at www.naswoh.org/calendar for updates on dates and locations.)

Presenters: Alice Palmer (Cleveland), Cindy Webb (Columbus), Nancy Moore (Cincinnati)

COST:NASW Members: $225Non-Members: $275Includes face-to-face workshop, 5 study volumes, and web-based practice exams. Be prepared. Learn the content and strategies to pass the Bachelor’s, Clinical, or Advanced generalist exam for social work licensure. This package provides you tools for effective preparation, test taking skills, relevant content materials, and the means to practice exam questions utilizing a computer based system that replicates your experience in the testing center. TestMaster provides you with an online full-length practice exam where you not only have the opportunity to practice under similar conditions you also receive feedback in regards to areas that you will need to study. TestMaster provides an effective method of study and practice with relevant feedback to gauge when you are ready to take the exam!

MaRCh 6, 2014region 5 free Workshop: cultural competency columbus

Presenter: emily Wampler, LSW

re-think culture and the ways you see yourself and others in this fun, interactive workshop that provides 1 free CeU for NASW members.

MaRCh 12, 2014Wake up to Social Work ceu Series—youth in Adult court10:00-11:00 AM, 1 CeU for social workers

Presenter: erin Davies


MaRCh 13, 2014rituals for Self-care and Balance4:00–7:00 PM, 3 CEUs for social workersFairview Park Library, Cleveland

Presenter: rita Abdallah

What does it take to keep your motor running healthy? Like a car that requires proactive maintenance, self-care and rituals ensure that your “engine” does not overheat due to over exposure to your work and personal responsibilities. Assume the role of a “mental health mechanic” and check-in for service! At this workshop, take the time to check under

the “hood” for parts of you in need change or replacement. Discover tips and tricks to refresh your inner self and travel on the road to optimal wellness.

MaRCh 24, 2014professional Development Webinar: Q&A Session for graduating Students with NASW ohio Staff12:00–1:00 PM

Presenter: Danielle Smith, MSW, MA, LSW;

executive Director, NASW Ohio ChapterFree, Online, Members-OnlyThis webinar will cover topics ranging from job searching, résumé and cover letter tips, salary negotiation, licensing requirements, and most importantly we’ll answer your questions. You must pre-register for this webinar so log-in details can be sent to you. register at naswoh.org/calendar.

MaRCh 28, 2014pick one or Both: 3-hour ethics training & 3-hour Supervision training9:00–4:30 PM, 6 CeUs for social workers and counselorsCleveland

Presenters: glenn Karr, J.D. and Linda Helm, LISW-S

COST:NASW Members: $45 for 1 workshop/ $80 for 2 workshopsNASW Student Members: $10 for 1 workshop/$15 for 2 workshopsNon-Members: $75 for 1 workshop/ $140 for 2 workshopsStudent, Non-Members: $75 for 1 workshop/$140 for 2 workshops

apRIl 9, 2014Wake up to Social Work ceu Series - Medicare10:00-11:00 AM, 1 CeU for social workers

Presenter: Kari Higgins


For more information and to register visit www.naswoh.org.


NeW lIceNSeeSCongratulations to the following NASW members who received their social work license during October and November.

lSWsDonnamarie AdamsCrystal AlexanderDonielle AufdencampStasia Bakerrobert BaykoKaleigh Beraducerachel BoringJeralyn BoydCaitlyn Brownrita BryceNicole CarbonariAmy Collins-DixonKim Connorelizabeth CorneliusLissette CortezHeather CoughlinShayna CoxJosie CreechJulie CreightonNora DaleMatthew erulkarCorey FienAmanda FryeSalina gaierHugh geierAlyssa glovanMelissa grossSamantha grossKenisha guiceJeffrey HollandShelly Horn MarkovichCharde HurstAndrew JacksonChelsea JacobsShelly JohnsonNadia KheirkhahTracy KnoppCourtney LoweShelby LutterbeinMaria MartinJulie MeltonSarah NeradKirsti Osborne

Jessica PorschAmber reedPamela rosalezTiffani rose-WilhelmCharise rutledgeBrittany SeymourIkeshia SmithKathryn SmithKatrina SpohnMargaret SpringDorothea StanleyLogan TallmadgeJamie Taylorrachel WilkensAudrey WilliamsStephanie Wirtruby WrightJessica YarabHannah Zoller

lISWsSarah BraunMichael DoverLaurie FelderDelvin HectorMary HillNadia JamesKayla JohnsonJulie KennistonBela Koe-KrompecherAdrienne LisanTiffany Lombardo-BementLori McguireNicole reaganDawn TannAudra ThompsonKay Towersemily Verkamprachel WeingartMargaret Wilkins

NeWly creDeNtIAleDCongratulations to the following NASW members who received their NASW credential in October and November.

Carolyn M. Bohm, LISW-S, C-ASWCM Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager

April J. Cotleur, LISW, ACHP-SW Advanced Certified Hospice & Palliative Social Worker

Jill M. Dunmire, LISW, C-SWHC Certified Social Worker in Health Care

Yvette goldurs, ACHP-SW Advanced Certified Hospice & Palliative Social Worker

Stacie Hackleman, C-ASWCM Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager

Terri S. Muldrow-Hines, LSW, C-ASWCM Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager

Deana M. robinson, LSW, C-CYFSW Certified Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker

Patricia Ann Scott, LISW-S, CSW-G Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology

Theresa Ann Suing, LSW, CHP-SW, SW-G Certified Hospice & Palliative Care Social Worker and Social Worker in Gerontology

hAppy ANNIverSAryCongratulations to the NASW members who reached their membership milestones during October and November! We will continue to feature members who reach their milestones throughout the year. Members who reach these milestones will receive a special gift in the mail, so be on the lookout. Thank you for your continued support of NASW.

5 yeArSMelissa BertoloMarianne BucciniTara DaleKelly FormanJulie Furj-KuhnKaren giacoSarah grimKaren KimmelBeda Maddengail McCullomTraci NadelLeigh OpferKaren ParadiseDianne PryceDenise Wittig

10 yeArSHolly AkliJennifer CrawfordJessica DemalineDevon Fegen-HerdmanChristina goodallLaTasha Stanley-gianzero Donna Waters

15 yeArSJames CanfieldLisa Curran grayBonnie DanielsPamela DeFrancoJennifer JorgensonVicki Lamson-Williams

Nancy MooreDebbie SassanoJanice Zurinsky

20 yeArSJane BennerJacqueline BirdMary Lynne CalkinsChristine CarterVickie Hellmich-BozdechSandra HenrichsenCheryl McCarthygail Merkleross Planovskygeorge Purgertrichard rosichBeth ShapiroNicole Stacey

25 yeArSAudray AllenCraig CampbellJoseph CataniaWilliam HamiltonPatricia HouterlootJudith MeinertSusan Saltzburg

30 yeArSCatherine Altany-HammondAnne AntonioMarjorie BakerCrystal Banksrebecca BarnesMichel CoconisBarbara DennisonSusan DindalMarjorie edguerJames FlynnSharon guentherLynn HenslerDebra HilliardKrystyna KingNancy KusinskiMary ellen LaschMadeleine LesinskiDebra MargolisMillicent MarquartLynn MeloyJoanne MiedingNaomi Opdycke

NeW MeMberS, NeW liCeNSeeS, ANNiverSArieS, & CreDeNTiAlS


Pamela PattonJames PolznerJean QuinnKaren SiegfriedJohn SmithJack Stoneburnerrichard WhitakerSusan WilcoxLiz Williams

35 yeArSrobert BaerJoan BergmanWilliam BergmanJanet BrewerJudith CohenBrenda DavidsonMary Ann DrewryVivian FantauzziDeborah goebleMargo HeydtNoreen JoslynSteven MorganThomas Perzynskielaine rentelSandra SteinerMarolyn Whaley-Buckel

40 yeArSJoanne AustinLinda BurrisThomas DerminioAnne erwinAdelle glogerCatherine goreBarbara HanleyLisa HattonLonnie Helton James Kennedyedward McKinneyrebecca MutschelknausSusan NowlinHarvey ShankmanNancy TruxJoan Van Hullrobert Zeman

45 yeArSAlice DawsonJames HufferSylvia JohnsonKathleen Laufmangretchen LuidensLynn MarkusJacqueline MorrisonLarry SchwartzDavid Ulrich

50 yeArSgary CrowMary HarrisonStephanie Hunsingergerald StromT. Treleven

55 yeArSPaul Hannanrobert LovettLeah SchlanAlice Suits

Domestic Violence, also known as Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), is public health concern across the country as well as in Ohio. The Ohio DV 2012 statistic report that there were 41,053 arrests related to DV, and 68 fatalities. Social Workers who are interested in learning more to help their clients and their communities should check out the work being done by the Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN).

The Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN) is statewide membership organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors which represents all areas of Ohio. ODVN is a member of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the National Network to end Domestic Violence.ODVN membership includes diverse Ohio DV programs, allied professionals and concerned citizens across Ohio, representing rural and urban areas. ODVN also works with other statewide agencies, programs and coalitions.

The website for ODVN,www.odvn.org, includes a lot of valuable information for your community and clients including: Ohio Shelter and Program referral List, Prevention Trainings and Conferences, Ohio DV Statistics, online resources library, and as well as information for Spanish speaking families which I recently used with great success.

Schedule a workshop related to DV/IPV, including how to mobilize your community for violence prevention: rebecca Cline,[email protected]; she also serves as a NASW-OH Delegate for the NASW Delegate Assembly.

gooD NeWS SocIAl Work: ohIo DoMeStIc vIoleNce NetWorkBy: emily Wampler, NASW Ohio Chapter Board of Directors Secretary


a ManagED CaRE ToolkIT FoR naSW ClInICal SoCIal WoRkERS©November 2013. National Association of Social Workers. All rights reserved.

Many NASW members provide behavioral and mental health services through managed care organizations (MCO’s)—whether as an in-network or out-of-network provider. Questions are often posed by NASW members about their rights as providers and what recourse is available if they have problems. This Tool Kit poses a series of questions that are typically asked by members and offers general answers and linked resources that flesh out the substantive portions of the responses in more detail. Learning how to navigate the administrative process that guides the MCO operations and payment system is important and, at times, critical to maintaining a private solo or group practice. Developing a knowledge base about the MCO organization and a strategy for working with the MCO administrative staff will help to keep the clinical social worker in a functioning mode, able to accept clients and receive payment for services rendered. While much of the communication with the MCO will be online, talking with a MCO representative may be necessary to obtain answers to a specific question or if it is necessary to challenge a coverage, payment or other determination.Where Do I Start If I have Questions about the Mco’s Action or Inactions? Most MCO’s have a “Provider relations” unit that responds to questions from individual providers of behavioral health/mental health services. Starting in that unit and, if necessary, moving from a representative to the manager or Director would be an appropriate approach when seeking answers to most provider questions. Keep a record of the name of the MCO representative and the date of the conversation(s). Follow a telephone contact with an email confirmation of the conversation and, in particular, note any positive outcome or next steps. email communication assists in maintaining a record – but notes from phone conversations should be documented as well. Communication should be marked “Confidential” if relating to a client matter. A separate file should be maintained for the correspondence—whether electronic or paper. What Should I have In hand When talking With A Mco representative? There are two important documents in the MCO/Provider relationship. These are the Provider Agreement and the Provider relations Manual. Before beginning a conversation with the Provider representative, review and highlight any paragraphs in the Provider Agreement and Manual that are relevant to your issue. (Some key contract provisions are outlined below.) However, it is acceptable to ask the Provider relations representative to identify for you the provisions

of the Agreement and Manual that apply to your questions. If the representative does not offer a specific reference, ask if he/she can email the information to you and confirm that promise in a follow-up email to the representative. If there are no applicable references to the Agreement or Manual, it is important to ask for the reason for the response and to have that documented. It is also important to confirm that you have the most recent Provider Manual and any referenced items (Addendums, for example) that might have been added—such as an updated payment table or changes in the definition of terms. For a more extensive overview of the managed care contracting process, see Social Workers & Managed Care Contracts, 2008, excerpts of which are linked below.What Are Some of the key terms of the provider Agreement?While the Provider Agreement as a whole is important to review, certain terms will be particularly important. These include:• Authorization for Treatment—What are the required steps for approval?• Medical Necessity—What is the definition and how will it affect the delivery of mental health services?• Payment Procedures—What documents and signatures are required?• Designation of Payment Rates for specific Services or rate Tables—Are yours current?• Authority /Process for Modifications to Designated rates of Payment—What notice to Providers is required for a change in rates? What is the time frame for the notice? How should the notice be communicated—email, posted letter? • MCO right to request Reimbursement or Set-Off—Is there any specific language that permits a recoupment of fees after a Provider has been paid? • Provider De-Selection or Termination—What are the grounds for terminating the Agreement with a Provider? What notices have to be provided?• Confidentiality/Security of Records—What are the Provider’s duties to protect records generated for clients treated under the MCO’s authorization? What computer equipment, programs and security protections are required for the electronic transmission of records?• Maintenance of record— How long must records be kept for the MCO’s clients? What are the storage requirements, if any?• Non-Compete clauses—Are there any limits on the Provider’s rights to contract with other MCO organizations while the Provider Agreement is in effect? And after it is terminated?• Right to Appeal a MCO decision—What are the steps to appeal a decision of the MCO?

What are the time frames and procedures that must be followed? If the Provider Agreement references other documents such as a Provider Manual or separate statement of rates of payment (possibly in an Addendum), make sure that you have it, it is current and you refer to it in your communication to confirm its accuracy. You should request a copy of any referenced item that is not current or is missing; however, it is common practice for MCOs to make the Provider Manual and updates available in the providers’ section of the MCO website with an expectation that providers will stay current with all updates. It is, therefore, prudent to check the MCO webpage for Provider alerts and communication.how can I challenge An Adverse Decision? If a negative decision is conveyed verbally, it is important to confirm in an email, a fax or a letter your request to have that decision reviewed with a succinct statement of the reasons supporting your request. It is also necessary to review the appeal section of the Provider Agreement and to follow the appeal procedure if it applies to your situation. When in doubt, check the time period for filing an appeal and, within that timeframe, write a letter that requests review of the adverse decision and ask that it be treated as an appeal under the applicable provisions of the Provider Agreement. The main issues to be raised in an appeal are:• An adverse decision is contrary to specific terms of the Provider Agreement• An adverse decision contravenes the written policies of the MCO• An adverse decision is contrary to past practice and/or to prior actions of the MCO• An adverse decision failed to consider all applicable facts According to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction equity Act of 2008, (26 USC 9812; 29 USC 1185a; 42 USC 300gg-26), health plans are required to provide:• The criteria used by plans to make medical necessity determinations• The reasons for any denials of payment for mental health / substance use disorders. An appeal letter should note these requirements, if the appeal involves denials of treatment. each issue in an appeal should be supported with a factual statement and quotes from any applicable provision of the Provider Agreement, the Provider Manual, other MCO policy statements or notes from conversations with the Provider representative. A sample appeal letter is provided in the resources below outlining the types of information that might be included.


Should I file for Mediation or Arbitration?If a Provider agreement permits mediation or arbitration of disputes between Providers and the MCO organization, a decision will have to be made about whether to pursue an issue through voluntary dispute resolution. This should be an informed decision as it will at a minimum be time consuming, require consultation with an attorney, and could possibly result in a disappointing or adverse outcome. While mediation would not require the presence of an attorney representing the clinical social worker at the meeting of the parties, it would be beneficial to consult with an attorney before beginning mediation to sort out the issues to be addressed and to confirm the applicable procedures. If arbitration is available under the Provider Agreement, consultation with and representation by an attorney would be necessary as the process, though somewhat less formal, is similar to a court hearing. Under some limited circumstances, an arbitrator may permit an arbitration to proceed as a class action – where the effect of the MCO decision is considered as being applicable to all similarly situated clinical social workers in the MCO program. The U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld an arbitrator’s decision to permit a physician provider’s request for his claim regarding delayed payments to proceed as a class action in an arbitration claim filed against Oxford Health Plans. (Oxford Health Plans LLC v. Sutter, 133 S.Ct. 2064 (2013)) While successful, the case took over ten years to move through the courts and only the procedural issue of whether the physician’s claim could be decided by an arbitrator under the language of the Provider agreement was decided. how Do I Deal with Questions about rates of pay? There are some special considerations and limitations that apply to clinical social workers’ discussions about rates of reimbursement because of federal and state antitrust laws which prohibit social workers who are in different practices from discussing rates of reimbursement with each other. Clinical social workers who are in different practices are considered to be competitors and are prohibited by federal and state antitrust laws from sharing information about the rates that they are being paid. For this reason, questions about adjustments in rates, requests for increases and/or issues regarding payments should be addressed directly to the MCO Provider relations specialist. (For a more detailed discussion of antitrust concerns for clinical social workers, see Social Workers, Managed Care, & Antitrust Issues, 2004, excerpts of which are linked in the references below.) Again, it is important to review the Provider Agreement and any related fee schedules to determine if payment is being made accurately and timely. A fee schedule for Medicaid related payments may not be included in the Provider Agreement, but may be published online because it is part of a publicly funded program. The Provider relations representative should be able to assist in identifying the correct fee schedule or a written request may be necessary.can I request An Increase in reimbursement

rates or protest a Decrease In rates? A clinical social worker who is a Provider for a particular MCO can ask the Provider relations specialist or the Director of the Provider relations unit about the reimbursement rate that she/he is being paid. If the social worker thinks that her/his qualifications and experience warrant a higher rate of reimbursement, it is acceptable to call or write the appropriate MCO representative and identify the bases justifying a requested higher rate – which might include educational degrees beyond the MSW, additional social work credentials, completion of specialized continuing education programs or extensive experience in unique areas such as work with posttraumatic stress disorder clients or specialized non-english language qualifications. A clinical social worker may also protest a decrease in the rates paid. Any decrease in rates, when and if one occurs, should generally become effective after advance notice of the change is given to the provider. If the MCO is seeking reimbursement of monies paid for services already provided, it is important to check the Provider Agreement and Provider Manual to see if the demand for reimbursement is permitted or authorized and under what circumstances. If there is no authorization in the MCO Provider Agreement or the terms required for a reduction were not followed, a written appeal may be filed contesting the legitimacy of the demand for reimbursement. A sample letter is provided in the resources below. An appeal should be timely filed under the procedures provided in the Provider Agreement or Manual with copies retained by the clinical social worker. The letter should identify in the heading that it is an appeal, it should state the facts in chronological order and should include references to the Provider Agreement or manual in the letter, if applicable. The letter can also identify the effect that a general decrease in rates paid to clinical social workers has on the availability of mental health services in the state. (See the sample letter in resources.) The social worker’s appeal should be addressed to a named manager, preferably the Director of Provider relations or other executive level person, with a request for a written response.What If My Appeal Is Not Answered? If there is no response or acknowledgement after 30 days or the period identified in the Provider Agreement, a second request for review can be sent, identified as such. A copy of the correspondence with a cover letter identifying the lack of response from the MCO, may also be sent to the person responsible for managed care issues in your state Insurance Commission. (See resources below for a list of the state insurance commissions.) If your appeal is ignored, but you are committed to seeking a review, consult with knowledgeable healthcare legal counsel to consider your options for a formal legal challenge which might include filing a small claims court action or an administrative claim with your state’s insurance commission or with other state or federal agencies.

conclusion and resources For clinical social workers practicing in the MCO environment, it is important to stay current with the MCO’s provider requirements. Checking the Provider portion of the MCO website and reviewing the Provider Manual updates and the original Provider Agreement should offer answers to many practice and payment questions. establishing a positive communication base with one or more Provider representatives will assist in resolving issues that arise. Understanding the options available when problems cannot be resolved at the lowest levels will permit informed decision making about pursuing appeals or external dispute resolution. While various suggestions are offered in this Tool Kit and the attached resources, they are not intended to be a substitute for legal advice from an attorney in the state in which you are practicing. Particularly for matters involving contract interpretation, challenges to an administrative decision or use of the mediation/arbitration dispute resolution options, consulting a knowledgeable health care attorney is advisable. For legal matters meeting the case funding criteria for the NASW Legal Defense Fund, financial assistance for legal fees may be available through the NASW Legal Defense Fund application process. Consultation with your NASW Chapter executive Director regarding a managed care issue is appropriate to determine if the problem is widespread and of concern in your state. The references and resources below provide additional information that may assist in managing your managed care relationships.

reFereNCeS:Oxford Health Plans v. Sutter, 133 S. Ct. 2046 (2013). Available at http://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/oxford-health-plans-llc-v-sutter/Mental Health Parity and Addiction equity Act of 2008, 26 USC 9812; 29 USC 1185a; 42USC 300gg-26; see also, U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, November 8, 2013, Administration issues final mental health and substance use disorder parity rule. Available at: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2013pres/11/20131108b.htmlPolowy, C. and Zula, M. (2005). Social Workers & Alternative Dispute resolution. (NASW general Counsel Law Note) (New edition to be published by NASW Press in 2014)Polowy, C., Diaz, D. and Friedman, P. (2004). Social Workers, Managed Care and Antitrust Issues, (NASW general Counsel Law Note), excerpts linked at: http://www.socialworkers.org/ldf/legal_issue/2013/antitrustcitationsforsocialworkers.pdfPolowy, C. and Morgan, S. (2008). Social Workers & Managed Care Contracts, (NASW general Counsel Law Note), excerpts linked at: http://www.socialworkers.org//ldf/legal_issue/2013/selectedexcerptsfromsocialworkersandmanagedcarecontracts.pdfreSOUrCeS:Clinical Social Workers in Private Practice: A reference guide. 2005. www.naswpress.orgDraft Sample Letter to MCO (2013), Linked at “http://www.socialworkers.org//ldf/legal_issue/2013/draftappealletter.pdfInsurance Commissioners By State, at ht tp://www.patientadvocate.org/index.php?p=178NASW Legal Defense Fund: http://www.socialworkers.org/ldf/application.asp Psychotherapy Notes and reimbursement Claims, 2005, available at http://www.socialworkers.org/practice/clinical/csw0805.pdfThird-Party reimbursement for Clinical Social Work Services. 2008. www.naswpress.org


continued from pg. 1

Major Changes in 2014 For Clinical Social Workers

continued from pg. 2

Self-Care in the new year!

• Enrolling in training to become familiar with the new changes and how to implement them in practice

• Communicating with third-party payers about their specific requirements regarding these changes

• Updating electronic systems, billing statements, and other forms

• Establishing an emergency fund to cover unexpected reimbursement delays during the early months of implementation.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) coding system will also be implemented on October 1, 2014. The DSM-5 is harmonized with the ICD-10-CM, and there is now one classification system for coding of diseases. Although the American Psychiatric Association is recommending implementation of the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria by December 31, 2013, many insurance companies have reported they may not be prepared to implement the diagnostic criteria changes at that time. Since the implementation date of the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria may vary per third-party payers, NASW recommends members contact insurance companies with whom they are paneled to determine their implementation date.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the Physician Quality reporting System (PQrS) will subject clinical social workers and other health care professionals who are Medicare providers to a 2.0 percent penalty fee in 2016 if they do not use quality measures when performing services to Medicare beneficiaries during the year of 2014. PQrS is a program promoting the reporting of measures to determine quality services. To avoid this 2.0 percent penalty in 2016, clinical social workers must use measures developed by the PQrS for 2014 when providing psychotherapy services to Medicare beneficiaries.

NASW is available to provide technical assistance to members as these major changes are implemented. Clinical social workers may email their questions about the changes to [email protected] information about the 2014 changes is available online at the DSM-5 website: http://www.dsm5.org/Pages/Default.aspx.

Information about PQrS is available online at http://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/PQrS/How_To_get_Started.html.

CMS-1500 information is available online at: http://www.nucc.org/.

ICD-10-CM Information is available online at www.cms.gov/ICD-10.

4. Think Influence over Accomplishment: At the end of life, we will all discover that we way over-valued our accomplishments and way under-valued our influence. We prize our trophies and celebrate our achievements. But so often we step on or neglect others in the process. Far more important than your achievements in the New Year, is your influence!

5. Think Focus over Multitasking: We live in a time when multiple forms of media (even good media), devices, and real people are asking for your attention at the same time. We often say, “there is nothing more valuable than time.” I believe there is something at least as valuable as TIMe—and that is ATTeNTION. Time and focus are two different things. One negative impact of technology and media is our collective loss of attention span. Our ability to focus—especially on relationships—has diminished. We must recapture uninterruptible moments. We must renew our attention spans—for god, for people, and for high value priorities. Anything of eternal value requires focused attention. Your attention span is under assault—so guard it carefully!

Well, it’s one thing to read these five values. It’s another thing to implement them. That’s going to require some serious heart-to-heart conversations with yourself, your profession and those you love.

Live this year like it will be your last. For we all know, it very well could be!


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